Childbirth is something unknown, especially for first-time mothers, and feeling fear of the unknown is absolutely normal for human beings. So if you have certain fears, consider it normal, don't hide them, look them in the face and work to overcome them.
I have faced this moment twice in my life and I admit that, during my first pregnancy, one night when the pregnancy was already quite advanced, I had a panic attack, and one managed to get rid of a thought that went into a loop "this has to leave my body and it won't do it without pain." That morning I went to the gynecologist to ask him what options I had... you can imagine the doctor's face when I asked him the question: Angel, what options do I have for this to leave my body without trauma?
Well, it was from that moment on that I started working in that direction and I have to say that it worked for me, since in both births I had perfect control, I felt happy, calm and with energy capable of anything. Being fully aware that my body and mind were perfectly prepared for that moment.
My Tips to prepare and face the fear of childbirth
The first thing I want is to differentiate between fear and nerves or worry. Fear is something that blocks you, that paralyzes and therefore works as a brake during childbirth, it does not help or favor. But this cannot be confused with a feeling that is from my point of view inevitable and that is feeling nervous about the arrival of the child and the normal worries about whether the baby will be okay, but these other feelings, unlike fear, make you fully aware of how important your attitude and aptitude are at the time of birth.
The 6 points on which I worked to ensure that everything went well during childbirth:
1. I can.
The woman's body is prepared to give birth. Like the rest of mammals, we are designed for the moment of childbirth. Trust yourself and nature. Repeat the mantra: I can!
2. How lucky I am.
I imagined the number of women throughout the history of humanity who have given birth in terrible conditions, alone, surrounded by dirt, without medical or sanitary resources... I had recently returned from a trip to India and saw how thousands of women worked in the fields while very pregnant. They told me that many of them gave birth there, in the field, alone and during a day's work. If they can, I can!
3. Trust.
Visiting the hospital where you want to give birth, clearing doubts with your midwife, talking to your partner and trusting your gynecologist are key points. Knowing that you have a team that has proven training and experience will surely help you. With all these resources at your fingertips, I can!
4. Don't let them tell you movies.
Neither religion with that "you will give birth with pain" nor your mother's friends telling you the most gruesome stories, nor Hollywood movies, help when it comes to imagining a birth. Don't believe anything you hear, our bodies are prepared for that moment, the pain is totally bearable and with today's medicine it is a breeze. Each birth is different, each woman is different and yours, who are so beautiful and smart, will be perfect. I can!
5. Mens Sana in Corpore Sano
The mind can work wonders, a positive thought is like a magic potion. Maintain a positive attitude, think that everything will turn out well. All the check-ups throughout the pregnancy have gone well, the baby is fine, you have prepared for this moment and you have everything you need at your fingertips, nothing can go wrong... think positively, I can!
6. Everything is done for a child.
Maybe you don't know it yet, or maybe you do, in case you don't know, I'm here to tell you: for a child everything is done, everything is risked, everything is given. And this is the first moment in which your child asks you to do something for him, he asks you to BE BORN, and you are going to draw all your strength, your courage, your courage and you are going to give everything to help your child come into the world. You are a warrior mother. I can!
Finally, I want to tell you that the two most beautiful and happiest moments of my life were the two days my children were born. Nothing is comparable, I remember his touch, his eyes, his smell... the immense feeling that came over me... if I could repeat any moment in my life, I have no doubt, I would ask to relive those two moments.
I wish and hope that these tics help you and that you have a happy birth, not that you have the slightest doubt. YOU CAN!
Ana Toscano
